Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the nearest train station located?
The closest train station is located in Schnega. https://www.google.de/maps/search/schnega+bahnhof/@52.8684636,10.8873764,16z/data=!3m1!4b1
How far is the train station from Seminarhof Drawehn?
The train station inn Schnega is approximately 7 kilometres away from Seminarhof Drawehn.
How do I get from the train station in Schnega to the centre?
It takes about 25 minutes by bike and in 1.5 hours on foot. You can book a taxi via the local taxi service Kirschbaum, the ride takes about 8 minutes. Additionally, there is a shuttle service, which also has to be booked in advance.
Where is the best place to park?
Please use the 5 parking spaces at the Mandala. If there are no spaces available there, you can use the parking spaces along the street. Please be considerate of our neighbours and do not park in front of their houses.
Is there a shuttle or taxi service from the train station to the centre and if yes, how much does it cost?
The taxi company Kirschbaum charges from €24.00 per trip. If a larger group needs transportation, the company provides a bus and the costs are distributed among all passengers. Additionally, there is a shuttle service called LSE Bus which also requires prior reservation.
Is there an option to form carpool arrangements for the shuttle service?
Shared rides are possible. We don’t have participant information, so please contact your organizer in regards to making arrangements.
From what time is check-in possible?
Normally, our guests arrive from 3:00 PM onwards. An earlier check-in is possible by prior arrangement.
Until what time is check-in possible?
It’s best to arrive in time for dinner (which starts between 6 – 7 PM), but if you arrive later, please inform your organizer so that someone from the group can welcome you.
Do I need to check in upon arrival?
Registration is not necessary. You will find the keys to the rooms in the main building. If you are unable to bring your own bedsheets, you will also find them in the main building. Please note this in our “Extras” list.
I will be arriving very late. Where can I check in?
No check-in is necessary. Please inform your event organizer.
Where can I find the key to my room?
The keys are hanging in the entrance of the main building.
Where can I find my room?
Rooms 1 – 18 are located in the guest house opposite the main building. Rooms 19 – 23 are in the main house. You can find a floor plan under Downloads.
Are there allergy sensitive rooms?
Yes, some of our rooms are suitable for those with allergies.
Are there differences among the rooms?
All our rooms are quite similar.
Which rooms are quieter?
In the guest house, half of the rooms face the courtyard and the other half faces the back, where it is also somewhat quieter.
Do the rooms have private bathrooms? Which rooms share a bathroom?
All rooms have their own bathroom, except for rooms 8 & 9 and 19 & 20, which each share a bathroom.
How many single rooms are available, and can all rooms be booked as single rooms?
We have a total of 23 rooms, and all rooms can also be booked as single rooms.
What should I be aware of in the rooms?
Please refrain from lighting candles or incense sticks in the rooms and please leave the orange blankets in the rooms.
Do I need to bring my own bedsheets and towels?
If possible, please bring your own bedsheets and towels, otherwise you can rent them for an additional fee.
Do I need to bring my own soap, shampoo and shower gel?
Yes, please bring your own personal care products.
Do you use mattress, pillow and duvet protectors?
Yes, all blankets, mattresses and pillows have white protectors.
What happens if we occupy all the rooms at the centre and require more. Are there additional accommodations nearby?
If all our rooms are booked, there is the option to stay at the Nigel Hotel in Bergen-Dumme. If you book the rooms through us, you get a special price.
Can I pay less if I arrive later or leave earlier?
We charge for the whole duration of the event, even if individuals arrive later or leave earlier.
How are the prices calculated for one day / one night?
Our daily rate is based on the check-in and check-out times, 3pm to 3pm.
As an event participant, do I book my accommodation directly with you or through my organizer?
The rooms are booked and paid for directly through the organizer.
Can I book a room with you as an individual, not affiliated with an event?
We do not offer bookings for private individuals.
Can we start our event with lunch instead of dinner?
Yes, in this case, we charge an additional €30 per person.
Is it possible to arrive one night earlier?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to arrive a day earlier. In very difficult matters, please contact us directly.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs can stay in room 10 and only one dog is allowed per event. For this, we charge an additional one time cleaning fee of €15.
Are children welcome?
Children are absolutely welcome.
Are candles allowed to be lit in the room?
Please do not use candles and incense sticks in the rooms.
What is included in the full board?
Our full board consists of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fruit is always available.
What is not included in the full-board?
Additional snacks, alcoholic beverages and organic soft drinks are available for self-service and will be charged separately.
Do I have to pay extra for a vegan/gluten-free diet?
We do not charge any extra fees for vegan and gluten-free diets.
Do you charge extra for water, coffee and tea?
Coffee and tea are included in the price.
Do you charge extra for histamine intolerance?
If additional special meals are prepared only for you, we will charge an additional €5 per person per day.
Do I get a discount if I cannot attend a meal?
Our full board price will be charged, even if you cannot attend a meal.
Are you a strictly vegetarian retreat centre?
Yes, since 2021, we are a purely vegan-vegetarian retreat centre.
Where do I report my allergies / food intolerances?
Please report this to your event organizer.
Do you use organic products in the kitchen?
Although we are not yet organically certified, we use many organic products in our kitchen. Some of the fruits and vegetables even come from our own garden. We continuously purchase more local and organic products.
Is it possible to order cake every day?
We can bake an additional cake for an extra charge of €2.50 per person. The total number of people will be taken into account for this calculation.
Is it possible to set aside portions for participants who arrive late?
If this is communicated to us, we are happy to set aside individual portions for guests arriving later.
Do you have set meal times?
We have set time frames. Breakfast starts no earlier than 08:00 and dinner starts no later than 19:00. We are flexible with lunch and tea times.
In the case of a double booking, how are the meal times organized?
We suggest a 20-30 minute stagger for double bookings. Please discuss details with us.
Is the seminar room rental included in the booking, or are there additional costs?
We have a minimum required number of people per booking, which includes one seminar room rental (see price list).
How are the seminar rooms equipped? What materials are available?
Our seminar rooms are well-equipped. We provide you with chairs, tables, a projector with a screen, meditation cushions, yoga blankets, yoga mats, yoga blocks, yoga belts, meditation mats, meditation banks, Thai massage mats, flipchart stands, and moderation boards/pinboards free of charge. Please bring non-reusable materials yourself or book them separately.
How many tables are available?
There are approximately 10 tables available.
How many chairs are available?
There are approximately 40 chairs available.
How many yoga mats are available?
There are approximately 50 yoga mats available.
How many meditation cushions are available?
There are approximately 60 meditation cushions available.
How many yoga blankets are available?
There are approximately 30 yoga blankets available.
Do you have flipchart paper and markers available on-site?
Yes, if needed, we charge €5 per flipchart block and €2.50 per marker.
Is there a sound system?
Yes, we have a Teufel 5.0 (Surround Sound) sound system in the Mandala. The Yoga room is also equipped with a Teufel stereo system.
Do you have a printer/copier that can be used?
We can print for you if needed. We charge 20 cents per page.
Is it possible to light candles in the seminar rooms?
Candles are generally not allowed in the seminar room and can only be lit under constant supervision.
Is there anything we should know regarding noise levels?
In order to avoid any difficulties with our neighbours, we kindly request that you keep the doors of the Mandala closed at all times and only open them to air when it is quiet. In Germany, “quiet time” begins at 10 pm.
Which musical instruments can be used?
We offer the use of a piano (Schimmel No. 157181) and an electric piano (PCM PX4 by Technics – Model SX-PX4). We also have two guitars available.
How is the Mandala heated?
The Mandala has an efficient wall heating system and an additional wood pellet oven can be used.
How is it decided which group uses which room in case of a double booking?
In the case of a double booking, the larger group goes in the Mandala.
Is it possible for us to work outdoors as well?
You are very welcome to use our outdoor area. We kindly request that you do not use materials from the guest or seminar rooms outdoors (cushions, blankets, etc.). We have cushions and blankets specifically for outdoor use.
Do guests pay you directly or via the organizer?
We only receive payment from event organizers.
How and when do I pay for my food and accommodation?
You can either pay in cash at the centre or transfer payment upon receiving the invoice.
Can I pay at the centre using a debit or credit card?
Unfortunately, we do not accept card payments.
How do I pay for extras, such as bedsheets, alcoholic beverages, sauna, etc.?
There is a “cash honesty box” in the main house for payment of all extras. Extras should be noted on the provided list and can be paid independently at the end of the event before departure.
How do you go about tips?
Our team greatly appreciates tips! All tips are distributed among our employees.
Is there a bank or ATM nearby?
Yes, there is a both a Sparkasse and Volksbank in Clenze, which is approximately 2 km away.
Can I receive an invoice?
You, as the organizer, can receive an invoice.
How is the price for the sauna calculated?
The use of the sauna costs a minimum of €40 for up to 5 people. For 5 or more people, each person pays €8.
How do I book a massage?
Please note your interest during your booking. If possible, one of our local partners will be able to offer massages during your event.
Do you have bicycles that can be rented?
We do not rent bicycles; however, bicycles that are not regularly maintained can be used at your own risk.
Are there any other leisurely activities available on the premises?
Both our table tennis and kicker (foosball) are popular among all age groups.
What activities are available specifically for children?
Besides the table tennis and foosball, a slackline is also available. More information available upon request 🙂
Is there a lake nearby?
The Güstritzer Lake is approximately 10 km away, and the Roscher Lake is about 20 km away. In Summer, the Naturwaldbad in Wittfeitzen is also open. Additionally, there is theFreibad in Clenze and in Bergen Dumme.
What walking routes are there?
There are many beautiful paths for walking around the centre. Click on the image to open the map.
Are there any interesting excursion destinations nearby?
Some sights include the typical round villages in Wendland “Rundlingsdörfe”, the museum in Lübeln, the Nemitzer Heath and Lake Gartow.
I would like to help out in the garden a bit during my stay. Is that possible?
Absolutely! We welcome your request; please feel free to reach out to us.
Is there WiFi available on-site?
Yes, the password is posted on the bulletin board in the entrance of the main building.